New Orleans Pelicans: How to build on the win over the Celtics

New Orleans Pelicans: The Pels must keep the energy on defense

After a lackluster first half, the New Orleans Pelicans turned up the defensive energy behind inspired play by Josh Hart, Lonzo Ball and even the much-maligned Nicolo Melli, whose hustle seemed to be infectious.

The Pels were playing with a defensive intensity that they have lacked all season but they have to carry that over into the next game.

This could mean putting Josh Hart into the starting lineup or giving Melli another chance. It could mean less Eric Bledsoe, who has been disappointing on defense this season and has often symbolized the Pels’ overall lack of effort on that end.

Even when they didn’t get the stop against the Celtics, the Pels were playing aggressive, physical defense that was making it tough for Boston.

Jayson Tatum still got his, but he is an All-NBA talent who is difficult to shut down. But Hart and Lonzo didn’t make it easy on him, especially Hart, who was bodying Tatum all night.

The New Orleans Pelicans can score with any team in the NBA but the X-Factor will always be their effort on the defensive end.

They cannot afford to coast in games and hopefully last night was the start of a renewed focus on that end.